What to Look for When Buying a Projector?

Projectors are a great alternative of an expensive home theatre, offering high-quality images and surround sound that is enough to fill up an average sized room with beats and fun. This versatile equipment is mainly characterized by the deliverance of quality picture, high resolution, built-in stereo and most importantly, a price that makes it affordable.

So, if you are planning to install a projector in your living room for entertainment purposes, certain things should be given importance than the rest. What to look for when buying a projector? If this is the question that has been playing in your mind all over again, here is a quick guide to help you through, a list of things to consider when buying a projector:

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels that are used in creating an image. The picture you see today on your screen is created with the help of millions of pixels coming together and doing their work. The higher the resolution, the better the picture quality you will get.

On average, a standard projector comes with a resolution of 1080×1920, which means the picture quality is satisfactory. But, nowadays you can easily find advanced projectors offering 4k technology, that entertains supports higher pixels for producing a crisper, brighter and sharper image.

Contrast Ratio

In simpler terms, a contrast ratio is a ratio between the white and black portions of a copy. It is a number that is used to define the brightness of the picture being produced by the projector.

So, what to look for in a projector? A good projector will always offer higher contrast ratio. For example, if the projector mentions a rate of 1000:1, it means the white portion is 1000 times whiter than the darkest black, resulting in brighter images even in the darkest of rooms.

Connectivity

Well, now you wouldn’t want to stand up every time and plug-in your devices to enjoy your favorite TV series or movies. Here is what to know when buying a projector, search for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options.

The availability of various connectivity options gives you a chance not only to different plug-in devices supporting multiple file formats but also enjoy live streaming from any corner of the room, without having to move a leg.

Sound

Most projectors these days come with more or less 10W built-in stereo. If you do not wish to spend a few extra bucks on purchasing additional speakers, then opt for a projector that is instilled with surround sound. If you are lucky enough, most systems like these are good enough to fill up an average sized room with great beats and music.

3D Technology

Yes, you heard it right. Now you can get your hands on projectors that support the 3D file format. If you cannot afford a fancy and oh-so-expensive home 3D home theatre yet have a taste for the latest entertainment then look up for a projector that supports 3D picture. But remember, you might have to buy your 3D glasses because this equipment does not come along with one.

Throw Distance and Lens Shift

If you wish to use a single projector for multiple purposes that it is essential to search for equipment with adjustable lens shift and reasonable throw distance. Projectors with a short throw distance (the gap between the projector and screen) mean that it will be fit for small rooms only, making it satisfactory for home use only.

While, if you also wish to use projectors business purposes, go for a projector with greater throw distance and shift lens, as it the picture without any distortion will quickly be made visible to a broader audience, inside of a bigger room.

Brightness

The brightness of a projector is calculated in Lumens or ANSI, which depends entirely on the requirements of its usage. For business purposes and filling a small, dark room, you can go for a projector that comes with 1,000 Lumens and is happy with the results.

But, if you wish to use it in a bigger room with a brighter environment, always choose a projector with higher Lumens for likely outcomes.

Screen Technology

Mot projectors available in the market today come either with DLP (Digital Light Processing) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology. Because buying a projector us one-time investment for many, it is crucial to consider this point before jumping to a purchase.

Most projectors with DLP screen technology use spinning color wheel which can lead to rainbow effect and ruin the image quality, making it highly unreliable for more extended use.

On the other hand, screens with LCD technology are more reliable and deliver better image quality, satisfying you entirely with the results. You may also find LCoS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) screen technology available today. As much as this one produces the best quality images, most high-end projectors tend to contain it and might not be in reach of everyone with a tighter budget.

Cost

If you still don’t know what to look for when buying a projector than merely start with laying out a budget for yourself. Once you know how much do you have in your pocket and are willing to spend, it’ll be easier for you to find projectors that lie well within your reach and work equally good.

Conclusion

For laymen with zero knowledge of machinery and advanced technology, finding the right projector can be a daunting task. But before you move out on a quest to purchase for yourself, it is wise to lay out your needs and requirements that will help you in choosing the right thing.

Do you want a projector for indoor or outdoor use? Do you need to carry it to work and so, is portability important? What price range should it lie in? Always, set out your needs beforehand and then pay attention to the specifications of any machinery to make the best purchase for yourself!

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